Traveling is not just for the rich. We like to believe that you can go anywhere in the world without necessarily breaking the bank. It’s all about choices at the end of the day and learning to watch your finances. Here is a complete list of destinations anyone can visit on a budget all the while without sacrificing the pleasures that they offer.
As always we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance as this will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.
Steps to Budget:
- Accommodation – How much are you willing to pay per night? This may vary pending on how much you earn in a month. A good rule of thumb is not to spend more than 10% per night of your monthly earnings. I.e. if you earn £1500 a month, don’t spend anymore than £150 per night and even that is a little too much for most of us. When traveling on a budget, aim for 5% ideally so following this same example, that would be £75 per night maximum. Look out for deals on Booking.com or Trivago. Also it doesn’t hurt to contact the hotel directly, especially if it’s a small business as the owner may reduce the price as they won’t be having to pay a fee on hotel websites.
- Transport – How are you going to get there? One of the best perks of living in Europe for us is that most of the top destinations mentioned are not too expensive to get to. If you’re elsewhere in the world, you may want to consider destinations closer to home if flights are too expensive. That said, check out flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Kayak.
- Activities – You could have the cheapest room in the world but it’s not up to much if you spend your time doing nothing. Research any local activities in the area you are staying in. See how much these activities cost as it all adds up.
How to Use the Travel Calculator
Use the travel calculator to get a rough guide on how much you can be expected to spend in each destination. Although real travellers have contributed data, just be sure to take into consideration your own living and that you should adjust this to the information provided. Be sure to also change the currency to your own should you prefer as we have left it on local currency by default.
Beach
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife has been a holiday destination for many Europeans abroad as well as others from all over the world. It’s no wonder when there’s volcanic sands and warm crystal clear waters to be seen. The marine life alone is fantastic and as for activities, be sure to check out any dolphin and whale tours.
Bali, Indonesia
Beautiful Bali is known worldwide as the “Island of the Gods” and it’s not difficult to see why. Volcanic hillsides, mountains, coastlines and incredible beaches. Bali offers to much for so little in return, even where your money is concerned. You might pay quite a lot for your flight out there however once you arrive, depending on your budget you can be expected to stay for a very long time before you venture elsewhere.
Crete, Greece
The largest of all the Greek islands rightfully shows off with its majestic waters, golden beaches and great local sea food. In reality any of the Greek islands will suit any budget traveller but none can match Crete’s impressive history. From Theseus and the Minotaur to its invasion in World War 2. Crete will satisfy any historic lover as well as those who just want to sit back and relax in it’s warm environment.
Parque Natural da Arrábida, Portugal
People tend to combine Portugal with the same attributes as Spain, which doesn’t do Portugal any justice. It deserves it’s own recognition for it’s beautiful cities and gorgeous beaches. Although Portugal for the most part is cheaper than Spain, it does not make Spain itself expensive as far as most European countries go. The beauty of Portuguese beaches are that they offer a more secluded and natural beauty ambience than many other European beaches.
Turkey
To be honest, the beaches in Turkey are as beautiful as each other and you’ll always be amazed by the inviting waters they partner with. Turkey can be as cheap or as expensive as you like. Everyday living is generally cheap but it will be the excursions that can shorten you time in Turkey, especially if you’re looking to do some of its famous hot air balloon rides.
Adventure
Highlands, Scotland
Scotland within the UK is by no means cheap but it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Your money spent sensibility can take you far if you know where to look. If adventure is your thing then consider camping in the Highlands of Scotland and if you are really tight for cash, then you can camp in the wild for free. Just don’t overspend on the whiskey!
Pokhara, Nepal
Nepal is a very cheap country to travel through, with most food, accommodation, and transport if you eat, sleep, and travel using local options. Be wary of the food in Nepal as often it does not have the best reputation. Always buy your water in a sealed bottle and eat in top rated restaurants if you can. Despite its poverty, Nepal is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Take yourself out of Kathmandu and into Pokhara to see what we’re talking about.
Australia
For the most part, Australia is cheaper than a lot of other developed countries and done right, your money can take you far. Stay out of the cities if you are after a sense of adventure and head out into the Outback. Just make sure you are equipped for emergencies and if you ever find yourself short on cash, you should have no trouble finding work in all of Australia as there’s no shortage of backpacker jobs from farming to hospitality.
South Africa
One of the most affordable places in the world for the majority. The exchange rate when travelling on USD, EUR or GBP will help considerably. Hostels, guesthouses, tourist accommodation known as “backpackers” are generally cheap and you will find yourself often in breath-taking scenery with the chances of catching a glimpse at some of Africa’s wildlife. Although if you’re travelling on a budget you may want reconsider any safari excusions, although that said, they usually are a big part of anyone’s visit to South Africa and really do offer once in a lifetime experiences.
Morocco
Airlines tend to be very affordable when heading out to Morocco so you’re already saving a ton of money before you arrive. Morocco can offer its guests great food, impressive architecture and unique souvenirs. The cost of living is relatively cheap, and you can still indulge in some fun tours and activities without breaking the bank.
City Breaks
Krakow, Poland
Here you will find the most warmest of people in the coldest of weathers. Poland offers much to those who know where to look. Eating out is not necessarily expensive and you will often find yourself full and perhaps unable to finish your plate meaning that you really do get your money’s worth. Food is delicious and offers more variety than some of its neighbours.
Rome, Italy
Rome for the most part isn’t as expensive as one may believe. Entry to the stunning historical sites is not expensive but then it’s not what I would call cheap either. Which means, it’s fair. Because a lot of Rome’s prices for food, drinks, hotels and transport are generally are in a sense fair, this makes it a budget friendly place. You can do this awesome city in four to five days and then move on without breaking the bank.
Prague, Czech Republic
Every year, more and more tourists gather to the Czech Republic for it’s immersive history and cheap alcohol. Local transport is affordable and its reliability makes it truly rewardable should you have been walking all day. As one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, it’s no wonder why so many tourists fill the streets of Prague.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges can be expensive if you’re not careful. But then, most towns and cities can eat through your wallet quite quickly. Four to five days ought to provide the most budgeteer of travellers the best of food, drink, attractions and beautiful scenery without panicking about their spending. Stroll the cobbled streets, take a ride on a horse-drawn cart or drink some of Belgium’s famous beers in some of its oldest medieval pubs.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Now who doesn’t want to go to Amsterdam? Festivals, art galleries, the canal, cycling, markets and the history are many of the things that Amsterdam can offer any traveller no matter your budget. Even taking a private cruise along the canal will make any backpacker feel like royalty. If you do Amsterdam right first time around, you’ll have little reason to return but often you’ll find yourself eager to come back.
